The Nigerian Government and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to improving the welfare of military veterans, widows and retirees at a National Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by the Nigerian Legion in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms Grace Mornike, described the gathering as a crucial platform to address issues affecting veterans, including welfare, empowerment, discipline, unity and support for military widows.
She urged members to work together to strengthen the Legion and enhance its relevance to national development.
Mornike also highlighted concerns surrounding the Corps of Commissioners and called for greater coordination between state councils and the corps.
She directed that widow associations be harmonised under the Military Widows Association framework, in line with the Legion’s mandate of supporting the families of fallen heroes.
Representing the Minister of Defence, retired Major General Garba Abdullahi, Chairman of the Ministry of Defence Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Nigerian Legion, disclosed that the minister had constituted a high-powered committee to review the operations of the Legion and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening veterans’ welfare and institutional effectiveness.
According to him, the committee had conducted nationwide consultations with veterans and stakeholders and was finalising its report, which he said would lead to a more vibrant and effective Nigerian Legion.
He assured participants that the Nigerian Government remained committed to promoting harmony within the Legion and addressing longstanding welfare concerns.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jarnal Abdulsalam, said welfare remained a key pillar of the CDS’ command philosophy.
He noted that the recent salary increase approved for military personnel would also benefit retirees and revealed that efforts were underway to facilitate low-interest loans for retired personnel through the Bank of Industry.
The CDS further disclosed plans to establish veterans’ help desks at military formations across the country, create skill acquisition centres in the six geopolitical zones and provide dedicated medical services for veterans through the Defence Medical Centre.
He urged retired personnel to remain patient and avoid acting on unverified information, stressing that the military leadership remained committed to addressing veterans’ concerns through established channels.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), represented by the Deputy Director of Veteran Affairs, Air Commodore Stephen Nwachi, also reiterated its support for veterans, revealing plans to establish Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres in major cities, including Lagos, Enugu and Kaduna.
Nwachi said the NAF had also institutionalised regular engagements tagged “Chief of the Air Staff Parley with Veterans” to provide a platform for interaction and feedback.
He added that an online registration portal had been created to enable the service to maintain contact with retired personnel and monitor their welfare needs.
Similarly, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the Nigerian Navy had introduced several initiatives to enhance the welfare of veterans and widows.
He disclosed that the Navy had commenced veterans’ sensitisation workshops across its operational areas to educate retirees on existing welfare packages and entitlements, while also expanding support programmes for widows.
Taofeek noted that the Navy remained committed to ensuring the welfare and smooth administration of retired personnel, adding that professionalism, integrity and teamwork should guide the activities of veterans and the Nigerian Legion.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together veterans, serving military representatives, officials of the Ministry of Defence, members of the Corps of Commissioners, military widows and other stakeholders to deliberate on ways of strengthening support systems for retired military personnel and their families.
